Thursday 20th January 2000

As Bishops of the Church of Ireland in Northern Ireland we are deeply conscious of the conflicting opinions in the community on the question of police reform. In particular we recognise the feelings of hurt and uncertainty among Protestants.

We recognise the deep emotions of relatives and families who have lost loved ones over the years in the service of the R.U.C. In many instances it has been our sad privilege to bury police officers who have been killed while serving this community and to offer pastoral support to their families. At this time we understand those feelings and sympathise with those who find it so difficult to accept the proposals for change in policing

Over the years the police in Northern Ireland have been subjected to pressures unknown in most western countries as it has sought to serve and protect the law-abiding community. Apart from physical attack on members there have been many instances where the work of the police has been allowed to become the object of criticism for political purposes. We pay tribute to the sacrificial service to the whole community in conditions of extreme danger and difficulty and regret that the Patten Report did not give sufficient regard to this fact.

We welcome the assurance that there will be no enforced redundancies and appeal for adequate and generous financial support for those who may be adversely affected by change.

At this time of change in this community the greatest sensitivity is necessary at all levels to the feelings of those who find real and genuine difficulty in contemplating the speed of change.

But the whole community must move forward.

Once parliament has debated the forthcoming legislation we hope that a police service will emerge which can be supported by all sections of the community in ways which allow confidence, trust and involvement to be a reality.